All of the Reasons We Love Christmas in Dublin

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Dublin. From the lights to the cheer, this city doesn’t need snow to transform into a winter wonderland. There’s much to love about the festive season, and below, we’ve listed just a few of the reasons we love living in Dublin this time of year.

So don’t be a Scrooge--read on to have yourself a merry little Christmas!

***5. All of the activities ***
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo is perfect for date night or a family-friendly outing. Of course, those on the nice list will need to visit Santa at Arnotts or the Dundrum Christmas Village. Later, turn your Christmas movie marathon into a drive-in Christmas movie showing at the Leopardstown racecourse. Speaking of Leopardstown, head to the races on St. Stephen’s Day for a guaranteed good time.

4. All of the Christmas markets
Visit the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival for the craft and food vendors--or take a ride on the ferris wheel (rumoured to have been featured in the original Grease movie) overlooking the harbour. Then there’s the MART Market in Rathmines, which offers food, art, crafts, jewellry, and more, while the Dublin Flea Christmas Market has over 140 stalls to peruse each weekend.

***2. All of the cosy, festive pubs ***
Christmastime is the most wonderful time for a beer, but to have any of the aforementioned drinks, pop into Stag’s Head or Slattery’s. The Hole in the Wall and The Gingerman will no doubt put you into the Christmas spirit with their wildly festive decorations. If Jack Frost’s nipping at your nose, a fireside pint at The Library Bar on Exchequer Street can’t be beat. Or get dressed up for a cocktail at the The Shelbourne bar for a swanky Christmas evening. The Long Hall is always good craic this time of year, and if you’re shopping on Grafton Street, O’Neills has a particularly homey Christmas feel, and you’re sure to hear a lively traditional session there, as well.

1. All of the lights and decorations
Dublin knows how to deck the halls, and you’ll see some impressive setups on nearly every corner throughout the city. Store fronts are draped in string lights, Clerys’ Christmas “Through the Ages” window display is museum-worthy, and the streets (especially Grafton Street) are particularly dazzling.